American Express Cuts 5% of Workforce to Adopt Artificial Intelligence

American Express has announced a 5% reduction in its global workforce. This measure is part of a restructuring plan that will cost the company 336 million dollars in the third quarter.

Chief Executive Officer Stephen Squeri stated that the decision aims to make the organization more agile and efficient. The company had approximately 77,000 employees at the end of 2025 and is now looking to simplify internal processes before implementing new artificial intelligence tools.

Chief Financial Officer Christophe Le Caillec explained that automation requires optimized structures. The company intends to reduce hierarchical layers to facilitate the integration of technologies expected to personalize offers and experiences for cardholders in the coming years.

This move follows a trend observed at other global financial institutions. Barclays also recently confirmed the layoff of 5% of its staff with the goal of reducing operating costs through technology.

The financial sector is seeking higher profitability by replacing repetitive tasks with automated systems. This corporate efficiency drive may impact risk appetite in global markets by lowering fixed costs and boosting profit margins for major financial institutions.